At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of editors and manage the peer-review process for a top scientific journal.
- Company: Join Scientific Reports, a leading research journal in life and health sciences.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with global experts and represent the journal at conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the scientific community while developing your editorial skills.
- Qualifications: PhD-level experience in life or health sciences and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: London - Hybrid working
Application Deadline: 5th July 2026.
About The Role
Scientific Reports is a primary research journal covering all areas of the natural and clinical sciences. The journal publishes a high volume of scientifically valid and original research papers, without barriers to access. As a Deputy Editor, you will lead a team of Associate and Senior Editors, support the Chief Editor, oversee the publishing team, manage editorial workflows including the peer‑review process, post‑publication cases, editorial board management, content development and acquisition, and where required, make editorial decisions. Key performance indicators include rapid publication, sound peer‑review practices, and high levels of service to staff, authors and Editorial Board Members.
Responsibilities
- Training and line management of Associate and Senior Editors.
- Assist in the daily management of the journal workflow, providing rapid, constructive peer‑review and publication decisions, acting as handling editor on manuscripts as required.
- Respond to authors, reviewers, Editorial Board Members, Senior Editorial Board Members and readers in a timely fashion.
- Work with the publishing team to allocate manuscripts to Editorial Board Members.
- Liaise with Editorial Board Members on an ongoing basis to follow up on peer‑review and final decisions, ensuring decision policies are adhered to at all times.
- Resolve pre‑ and post‑publication issues raised by staff, Editorial Board Members and readers (e.g., authorship, scope, ethics and consent, misconduct), including communication with authors and other stakeholders.
- Input to policy development initiatives and implement editorial policy as required.
- Establish and maintain relationships with Editorial Board Members, arranging and holding in‑person meetings and editorial board meetings, and supporting initiatives to further improve engagement.
- Manage recruitment and training of new Editorial Board Members where required.
- Represent Scientific Reports at international and national conferences and institutional visits as required.
- Be an active member of the Springer Nature editorial community, engaging with editorial colleagues on other journals and driving collaboration on projects as necessary.
- Sign‑off social media and marketing content.
Qualifications
- PhD‑level research experience or equivalent in life or health sciences.
- Previous experience coordinating peer review and making independent manuscript decisions within a world‑class STM publishing company.
- Previous experience organising and leading outreach events, interacting with senior academic stakeholders, and promoting a journal or a portfolio of journals.
- In‑depth knowledge of and experience handling editorial ethics and misconduct issues.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, fluent in English (written and spoken).
- Strong workload management and organisational skills.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Adaptable and flexible.
- Thorough knowledge of the scientific community and its needs.
- Highly self‑motivated, resourceful and achievement‑oriented.
- Sound knowledge and interest in science in general.
- Willingness to travel.
Deputy Editor (Life or Health Sciences), Scientific Reports employer: Springer Nature Ltd
At Scientific Reports, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Deputy Editor in London, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to engage with leading experts in the life and health sciences. Our commitment to professional development and a supportive culture makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful contributions to the scientific community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Editor (Life or Health Sciences), Scientific Reports
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Editor (Life or Health Sciences), Scientific Reports
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Springer Nature Ltd. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Springer Nature Ltd. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Springer Nature Ltd
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Springer Nature Ltd. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Springer Nature Ltd to drive research projects forward.
